In this episode we look at the published version of Chapter 22. We talk about how proactive Anne is in these final chapters, the arrival of Charles, Mary and the Musgrove clan, Louisa’s change in personality, how the Musgroves all want Anne to be with them, and the first time Wentworth actually refers to the time he and Anne were together. The characters we discuss is are Charles and Mary Musgrove. In the historical section, Michael talks about the shooting, and for popular culture Harriet lo...
Jan 19
56 min
In this much-delayed episode (recorded months ago, but stuck in editing limbo), we look at Chapter 21, and the original version of Chapter 22, which Jane Austen rewrote before publication to become the Chapters 22 and 23 we now have. This cancelled chapter is available in many modern editions of the book. We talk about Mrs Smith’s infodump about Mr Elliot, her change in tone, her patronising attitude towards Nurse Rooke, how in the cancelled chapter Anne was more of an observer (compared to t...
Dec 26, 2025
59 min
In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot. The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion. Things we m...
Oct 7, 2025
56 min
In this episode, we talk about the upward and downward social interactions taking place, what the implications are behind the Dalrymples being Irish aristocracy, the introductions of Mrs Smith and Nurse Rooke, the comedy of Mary’s letter and Admiral Croft’s meeting with Anne, and the fact that in the book’s timeline it is only a month before Napoleon Bonaparte will escape from Elba. The characters we discuss are Admiral and Mrs Croft. In the historical section, Ellen talks about nurses, and f...
Aug 25, 2025
59 min
In this episode, we talk about these transitional chapters between the events at Lyme and the move to Bath. We consider the position of the old nurse in the Musgrove household, how Anne is feeling a bit sorry for herself, the delightful scenes with the Crofts and with Charles and Mary, how Mr Elliot is described as ‘underhung’, and the way Anne and Mr Elliot get on well with each other. The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about Bath, and f...
Jun 16, 2025
59 min
In this episode, we talk about Lyme, the connection between Anne and Captain Benwick, whether these chapters make us wonder if Anne will end up with someone other than Captain Wentworth, and Louisa’s fall from the steps. The characters we discuss are Captains Harville and Benwick. In the historical section, Ellen talks about romantic poetry, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2022 Netflix film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Bla...
Apr 28, 2025
59 min
In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen has solved the problem of the infodump, the realism of the scene with little Walter, how she shows the relations within families, and how events on the walk to Winthrop affect Wentworth’s feelings. The characters we discuss are Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about curates, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2007 ITV film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet To...
Mar 18, 2025
59 min
This is an in-between ‘extras’ episode. Our episodes are normally not more than an hour in length, which means that we usually have to cut a certain amount of material in the editing. But for Episode 3, we had much more material than usual. So we kept the episode down to an hour, but decided to release an ‘extras’ episode, with some of the bits we edited out. It’s a bit disjointed, but we hope you enjoy it. THINGS WE MENTION Character discussion: Sheila Kaye-Smith and G.B. Stern, Talking of J...
Feb 17, 2025
26 min
In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen tells us about the feelings of Anne and Captain Wentworth, and how the narrator captures Anne’s emotions; the building up of the relationship between Charles and Mary, and their reaction to Little Charles’ accident; Mrs Musgrove’s feelings about her son; and Mrs Croft’s travels. The character we discuss is Captain Wentworth. In the historical section, Harriet’s partner Michael talks about the Navy, and for popular culture both Harriet and Mic...
Feb 3, 2025
59 min
In this episode, we talk about how the backstory of Anne and Wentworth is presented without comedy, and yet is absolutely enjoyable. We then move on to the introduction of Mary, and why she is the way she is, the generational change we see in the Musgrove family, and the very unsympathetic portrayal of Dick Musgrove. The character we discuss is Lady Russell. In the historical section, Ellen talks about social precedence, and for popular culture Harriet has watched the 1972 Spanish television ...
Dec 17, 2024
59 min
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